Schedule:

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Memphis in May International Festival formally announced today that the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will return to the Memphis riverfront downtown in Tom Lee Park in 2023.

Gates Open: 5:00 p.m.
Park Closes: 10:00 p.m.
Featured Entertainment:
Sauce Wrestling

Thursday, May 18, 2023

World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Memphis in May International Festival formally announced today that the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will return to the Memphis riverfront downtown in Tom Lee Park in 2023.

Gates Open: 11:00 a.m.
Park Closes: 12:00 a.m.
Grill Mates Demo: 1:00 p.m. – Citrus Brined Smoked Turkey Breasts (samples available)
Home Depot Noon Cool Smoke and Weber Demos: 1:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Kingsford Tour of Champions: 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
BBQ Alley with Big Green Egg and Friends: 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Grill Mates Demo: 4:00 p.m. – Garlic Butter Chicken Cheesesteak Tacos  (samples available)
Ms. Piggie Idol: 6:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony (Ms. Piggie Idol, Best T-shirt, Booth): 7:00 p.m.
Featured Entertainment after awards:
Al Kapone
The Sugarhill Gang

Friday, May 19, 2023

World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Memphis in May International Festival formally announced today that the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will return to the Memphis riverfront downtown in Tom Lee Park in 2023.

Gates Open: 11:00 a.m.
Park Closes: 12:00 a.m.
Grill Mates Demo: 1:00 p.m. – Grilled Texas Pork Tenderloin (samples available)
Home Depot Noon Cool Smoke and Weber Demos: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Kingsford Tour of Champions: 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
BBQ Alley with Big Green Egg and Friends: 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Grill Mates Demo: 4:00 p.m. – Spicy Nashville Hot Style Pork Ribs (samples available)
Awards Ceremony (Anything But, Hot Wings, Sauce): 6:00 p.m.
Featured Entertainment after awards:
Cracker

Saturday, May 20, 2023

World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Memphis in May International Festival formally announced today that the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will return to the Memphis riverfront downtown in Tom Lee Park in 2023.

Judging Day
Gates Open: 10:00 a.m.
Park Closes: 10:00 p.m.
Grill Mates Demo: 1:00 p.m. – Sweet Jalapeño Grilled Chicken Breast (samples available)
Home Depot Noon Cool Smoke and Weber Demos: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
BBQ Alley with Big Green Egg and Friends: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Grill Mates Demo: 4:00 p.m. – Montreal Steak Tri-Tip Flatbread (samples available)
Awards Ceremony – Grand Champion and Ribs, Whole Hog, Shoulder: 6:30 p.m.
Featured Entertainment after awards:
Nolan Taylor
Dale Watson

Saturday, May 27, 2023

The Great American River Run
The 2023 Great American River Run will take place on Saturday May 27th over Memorial Day weekend in downtown Memphis and along the Mississippi River.
Whether its the half marathon, 10K, or 5K, sign up early for the lowest registration fee of the year. The longer you wait, the more you’ll pay, so register early to save
Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a beautiful medal, race shirt and an invitation to our famous post-run after party with plenty of real food and beer.

Click Here For Registration Information

Date: May 5 - 17, 2023

Location: Various Venue, Memphis, TN

Click Here For More Information